Daucus edulis

Daucus edulis is a critically endangered species of flowering plant in the celery family Apiaceae. It is endemic to Madeira.

Description

Daucus edulis is a long-lived perennial plant, up to in height. It has a hard woody unbranched stem with annual flowers and light yellowish-green, markedly shiny radial leaves, broadly triangular at the edges with pubescent petioles. It has scattered, paniculate inflorescences. Its fruits are, oblong to ellipsoid, pubescent and pale when ripe.
The species was previously known as Monizia edulis.

Distribution and habitat

The species is endemic to Madeira Island and Deserta [Grande Island] and was once native to the Savage Islands. In 2008 its population was estimated to be around 50 individuals in a area. It extends from the Central Mountain Massif of Madeira and occupies rocky cliffs and terraces with soil accumulations up to Height above [sea level|a.s.l.] in Deserta Grande and up to in Madeira.
It is mainly threatened by the introduction of exotic species, human collection, fires, droughts, storms, and landslides.